There Is Far More to Us!

June 4, 2022

DAILY READING

Philippians 4:9 – “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you…”

FIELD NOTES

In 1528, Cabeza DeVaca and another man survived a shipwreck off the Florida coast. Native Americans found them and demanded that they heal several tribe members. Exhausted and starving, nevertheless, the two men realized they had two choices, heal the tribal members or die.

So without any medical training and not being particularly spiritual, they began praying for healing, laying their hands on the sick bodies and anointing them. To everyone’s amazement, the sick began the slow process of healing. With God’s help, DeVaca discovered that there was more to him than he realized.

When Paul says in verse 9, “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you,” he reminds us to live out the truths of Jesus.

Thus, there is more to us than we realize.

When I think of terrorism, massacres, gun violence, war, ageism, sexism, racism, political divides, poverty, lies, fake news, global warming, and other worldly traumas, I wonder, “What can I do?”

Then, I realize there is more to me than I know. Thus, I can pray. If all 8,500 Brentwood UMC members do the same, BUMC may become a spark for Christ’s Holy Spirit to heal this world.

Idealistic? Yes, but what other choice do we have?

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What are some of your concerns? Demands that people make of you? What issues trouble you?
• Keep in mind this verse throughout the day: “Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear most loving, gracious God, please help me tap into your awesome presence, helping me to bring peace to the world (and me). In your gracious name, we ask. Amen.